The WOODCHUCKcase Skin For The iPhone 5/5s Review

I recently had the opportunity to use the new Woodchuck Skin for the iPhone 5/5s. Like other products from the Minneapolis, Minn.-based company, the skin is made of real wood, and is manufactured in the United States.
How does the Woodchuck perform? It’s time to find out.

The Basics

The iPhone 5s Woodchuck Skin is available in walnut, mahogany, gunmetal, ebony, and birch. Each includes a front and back skin that attaches to the phone using 3M (non-residue) adhesive. My review skin came in gunmetal.
Woodchuck says the wood used for its products are “locally sourced.” Each is “individually selected for unique grain and quality,” and is “laser cut, hand sanded, and finished” in a Minneapolis workshop.

Integration with iOS devices

The skin covers the front and back of the phone. There are holes to expose both the front and rear cameras. The wood covering the home button can be popped out before use. This is important given Touch ID on the iPhone 5s. To attach either skin, you must remove the film and carefully align both, and then firmly press down.
Controls on the sides, top, and bottom of the iPhone are not covered by the skin.

Accessories

Each skin comes with a front and back panel with an adhesive attached to each.

Use and feel

[caption id="attachment_495102" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Home button piece can be popped out[/caption]
The Woodchuck Skin serves one primary purpose: to add a thin layer of real wood to the back and front of your device. It provides no added protection. In other words, if you aren’t the type of person that would carry around an iPhone without a protective case, the Woodchuck probably isn’t for you.
If this isn’t a problem and you like real wood products, you can’t go wrong with the Woodchuck Skin.
I found the gunmetal skin simply beautiful, and it added a level of uniqueness to my otherwise easy to recognize handset. In fact, at my local Starbucks, it turned a few heads. The Woodchuck Skin was easy to attach and also came off without using much force. Because of the 3M adhesive, it was also easy to reattach, although I wouldn’t recommend doing this on a regular basis.
The skin also came with an fresh cut wood aroma that I found to be awesome. This scent remained even after a few days of use.
My only problem with the Woodchuck Skin is really unavoidable. It naturally elevates the iPhone ever so slightly. This isn’t an issue, except around the home button. Personally, I found this slight lip a little bit annoying, since the home button and the rest of the screen are no longer level. Others may have no problem with this.

What's Hot

Adds a level of uniqueness to your device

Worth the price

What's Not

No protection

Slight lip around the home button

Where Can You Get It, And How Much Does It Cost?

The Woodchuck Skin is available for $29.99. For another $20, Woodchuck will include a custom design. It is available through the company's website and at U.S. retailers.

Our Advice

The Woodchuck Skin is definitely a niche product. If you enjoy adding skins to your iPhone and also like real wood products, this comes highly recommended. If you're looking for a little bit more protection, we'd suggest looking at Woodchuck's line of wood cases.